Laura lowered her head, feeling the awkwardness settle in. Morrison could feel the awkward tension in the air, too.

He stood up abruptly. “I have a night shift," he announced, grabbing his coat.

Laura intercepted him, her tone a mix of concern and frustration.

“How long do you plan to keep this up?"

"I'm working..." Morrison started.

"I know you're avoiding me. I understand you do so because you don't want to make me embarrassed, but I don't want a marriage where you can't even come home. There's still room here; should we set up another bed?" Laura suggested, trying to find a solution.

Morrison, avoiding eye contact, looked away and responded faintly, “That's fine."

Laura sensed his disappointment, her fingers slowly clenching into a fist. "I'm sorry, I..."

“Oh, what's there to apologize for between spouses?" he interjected, changing the subject quickly. "Let's go buy a bed!"

"Okay," Laura agreed.

After dinner, they headed out to a furniture store. They made their way directly to the bed section on the second floor.

As they were picking out a bed, Laura heard a familiar voice. She turned her head, then quickly pulled Morrison further into the aisle.

“What's happening?" Morrison asked, puzzled by her sudden urgency.

Laura whispered, "Guess who it is? It's Colin."

He was on their team.

If he spotted them picking out a bed, he'd spread rumors for sure.

They had purchased a new bed when they got married.

Now, newlyweds again, they were back for another one.

Wasn't it strange?

If Colin caught wind of this, he'd yap about it.